The beginning of the English domestic season is set to kick off on Saturday when Wembley Stadium hosts a Manchester derby in the 2024-25 edition of the FA Community Shield, a game that could prove to be a fantastic spectacle.
Manchester City vs Manchester United
Saturday 10 August, 15:00
Wembley Stadium
Manchester City make an appearance in this one-off clash for the fourth successive year when they face Manchester United thanks to their record-breaking fourth consecutive English Premier League trophy last season.
Despite entering into almost every game as the favourites, and going into every Community Shield as the reigning Premier League champions, Man City have lost all three of their previous appearances.
Leicester City beat them 1-0, Liverpool won 3-1 and, most recently, Arsenal defeated Man City on penalties after a 1-1 in normal time, conceding in the 90+11th minute to Leandro Trossard to send it to penalties.
They will once again enter into this year’s Community Shield as the favourites to triumph, facing up against a Manchester United side that many are predicted to have another season of turmoil in 2024-25.
Man United made their way into the Community Shield after a phenomenal victory against Saturday’s opponents in the FA Cup final back in May, winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
The Red Devils were surprisingly the deserving winners in that match, with Man City never showing their true ability to cause harm in the attacking areas, outside of Jeremy Doku’s strike that arguably should have been dealt with by Andre Onana.
Man United come into this game having endured a mixed pre-season, winning two and losing three of their five friendlies, including a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool last time out, and Erik ten Hag will want his side to produce a much better performance in this one.
Following an injury-hit season in 2023-24, Ten Hag looks likely to be dealing with several absentees once again for the opening game of the 2024-25 campaign, something the boss will be hoping does not persist throughout the term.
Manchester City possible line-up: Ortega; Akanji, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; De Bruyne, Kovacic; Bobb, Silva, Grealish; Haaland
Manchester United possible line-up: Onana; Dalot, Evans, Martinez, Amass; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
Bet9ja Tips
Manchester City’s record in the Community Shield is far from perfect, losing all of their last three appearances and winning just six of their 15 total appearances, but they will be the favourites once again here.
Guardiola’s men have won seven of the last 10 Manchester derby meetings and the Spaniard will be out for revenge after losing in the FA Cup Final at the end of the last campaign.
As for Man United, they are going into this game with a whole host of injury issues once again, a problem that Ten Hag will be hoping is solved prior to the opening game of the league season.
Because of that, the Red Devils may take a more conservative approach in this game in an attempt to avoid any further injury concerns ahead of the Premier League, suggesting that Manchester City will win this one, in a tight encounter.
Bet9ja Odds (at time of writing): Manchester City to win: 1.60, Draw: 4.50, Manchester United win: 5.00
Booking Codes:
Man City win by one goal @3.35 – 6WBWQ89
Erling Haaland first goalscorer @4.30 – 6WBWT22
